ARTICLES ABOUT CLIENTS BY DATE - PAGE 4

HARBOR SPRINGS — Orchids, dark wood and leather, chrome, and cool shades of gray and lavender all help establish the setting at newly opened Epic Salon and Day Spa in Harbor Springs. Owner Stacey Zamora said that “simple elegance” was her vision for the salon’s atmosphere. Epic Salon features Pureology and Bioelements products, both of which are vegan-friendly. In addition to traditional salon hair services, facials, lash and brow tinting, body waxing, and manicures and pedicures are also available.

Toni Cone has recently joined Northwest Michigan’s Comfort Keepers franchise as its new northern territory manager. A Petoskey native, Cone will provide direction and leadership in the managing of the daily operations of the Petoskey area office. She will also ensure continuity of care for clients after referral and is in charge of expanding the northern territory. Cone will be responsible for staff development and building relationships in the community. Cone received a bachelor’s degree in business from Ferris State University and her master’s in communication from Eastern Michigan University.

Janice Vipond has recently rejoined the Comfort Keepers franchise that serves Northwest Michigan as its new client care coordinator. In her new role, Vipond is responsible for providing continuity of care for clients after referral. As care coordinator, she works with each client and their family to understand their needs, create a service plan, and to keep abreast of changes in their condition and environment to ensure their needs are being met. Vipond worked for Comfort Keepers for two years prior to moving with her family to Maryland.

Citizens Bank will be holding special celebrations to celebrate its 140th anniversary during which the community is invited to enjoy refreshments. "This anniversary marks a very momentous occasion for Citizens Bank," said Robert Marcus, community president of Citizens Bank. "Over the last 140 years our local communities have experienced great advancements and have faced some significant challenges as well. Looking back at the great inventions and technology developed over the last 140 years, it has been an incredible period of time on so many levels.

Honors Crossroads Industries celebrates 1,000 work days without injuries • Crossroads Industries recently celebrated 1,000 work days without clients or staff suffering a job-related injury. That equals about four years without an incident, according to Sandra Griffor, director of Rehabilitation Services and chair of the safety committee at Crossroads, located at 2464 Silver Fox Trail, Gaylord. “I’m very proud of it (the accomplishment),” Griffor said.

Upon the recent retirement of Bob Kern, owner of the Real Estate One franchise in Charlevoix, there have been some interesting changes for this longtime business, which took place on Feb. 1. "Bob decided he was ready to retire from running a franchise office," said Kim Hejka, an associate broker. "Based on his loyalty to the company for the past 24 years, and the fact he was an ideal franchise owner, corporate decided it was important to keep this office open. " By joining the Real Estate One Northwest Michigan Region operations, the Charlevoix office becomes one of six corporate offices in this region, known as REO North.

Plans are being made for the seventh Petoskey-Bay View CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk on Saturday, June 25, in Bay View. As a result of the past six CROP Walks, $130,000 has been raised. One fourth, $32,000, has been donated to The Manna Food Project and its 35 pantries and agencies throughout Emmet, Antrim and Charlevoix counties. The Manna Food Project is busy all week long, collecting, storing and distributing food. Along with hearty donations from local merchants, Manna needs to purchase semi-truckloads of food to help fill the need.

Editor's Note: This is the first of two "Scoring in Business" columns submitted by Bill O'Brien which will examine techniques for measuring financial performance. Question: What are the first things that always happen at a doctor's office visit (that is, after they make sure you're insured)? The nurse measures your blood pressure, weight and pulse. Question: What do diabetics do daily? They measure their blood sugar level. One can't manage one's health if one doesn't first measure relevant vital signs to see what's going on and what remedial action/management steps are required, if any, to maintain or restore good health.

After spending years exploring nontoxic remedies on her own, Petoskey resident Dawn Gray decided to start her own cleaning business using her knowledge. Her business blossomed in the past few months, and she named it A Greener Clean. “The more I learn about it, the more I want to,” Gray said. “One thing I learned is that bleach and ammonia wipes out all the bad germs, but it also wipes out all the good germs we need.” Gray noted that she originally taught herself about nontoxic cleaning because her son has allergies and her daughter had a kidney disorder when she was younger.

WALLOON LAKE — In the midst of Walloon Lake village is a new real estate business with an old name, Ski and Shore Resort Properties. Brad Rellinger, co-owner and real estate broker, has been in the real estate business for 16 years. Ski and Shore is his first venture as an independent broker. His father, Larry, is also a Realtor. "Its a good time for reinvention...being in the only commerical district on Walloon is vital to servicing the area, " he said. He is convinced that location is key to his future success.